Nitrogen is a gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is also soluble in water. While it is commonly thought of as an inert gas, it actually has a wide range of uses in industries and processes. When combined with oxygen and hydrogen, nitrogen forms the compounds nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. With sulfur and hydrogen, it produces nitrogen sulfide. The inertness of nitrogen helps it be used to shield some potentially reactive materials from exposure to oxygen.
In the health care industry, nitrogen is used in cryosurgery to remove skin lesions and cancer cells. It is also an anesthetic and is also used as a medical gas in procedures like freezing. It is also used as a power source in medical devices. For example, it is commonly used as a substitute for argon in incandescent light bulbs. Its high molecular weight and low density also makes it a viable replacement for other gases.
In addition to its use in industry, nitrogen is used in environmental protection. In the wine industry, it is used to extend the expiration date of wine. It is also used in the manufacturing of light bulbs. The high pressure of nitrogen gas is an ideal solution for preventing corrosion and improving the flavor of food. It is available as a liquid or as a gas. It is also easy to use, so it is not difficult to make use of it in many different industries.